Mobile device disinfection

ABSTRACT

A disinfectant transmissive material incorporated into a case for a mobile device or a supporting surface of a disinfecting charger to enable disinfection of hard to reach areas. The case can be self-disinfecting. The disinfecting charger can have monitoring and safety systems that detect proximity and provide user feedback on safety, disinfection, and charge status along with automatic interlocks to protect the user from overexposure to disinfectant.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to disinfection, and more particularly tosystems and methods associated with disinfection.

It is well known that germs can reside on the surfaces of mobile devicesand can be transmitted to and from a mobile device through physicalcontact, resulting in the spread of infection. A variety of efforts havebeen made to reduce the risks presented by germs and associatedinfections. For example, there is increasing interest in performinggermicidal activities with respect to mobile devices as their usebecomes more pervasive in society with the goal of reducing the spreadof infection. This includes the growing use of UV (“ultraviolet”)disinfection systems to perform repeated or systematic disinfection.There are currently a number of different types of UV disinfectionproducts available on the commercial market. Many conventional UVdisinfection products suffer from a variety of shortcomings. Forexample, UV energy has a tendency to degrade plastics and othermaterials. As a result, conventional UV disinfection treatment regimensmay have the unintended consequence of causing excessive undesirabledamage to objects in and around the treatment ranges.

Some disinfection systems involve isolating a device or a set of devicesin a box or cart for safety while overdosing the device with UVradiation for fast disinfection. These systems typically utilize highintensity UV energy provided by high power lamps and drivers, whichintroduces a number of restrictions that make the system undesirable,expensive, and ultimately impractical. Devices are typically physicallyheld in the system by supporting structure associated with the box,cart, or rack. That structure can hide bacteria and pathogens or shieldsurfaces from being disinfected. If UV dosing is left too low, thedevice can be more difficult to disinfect or less reliably disinfected.To address these issues some UV disinfection systems deliver more UVenergy to ensure UV energy reaches as much of the device as possible.However, this does not always address the issue because portions of thedevice may be difficult to reach with UV light depending on the positionwithin the rack or the specific physical configuration of the device.Further, the contact areas of the supporting structure may not betreated sufficiently, if at all, which can lead to problems when a usercontacts the support structure while retrieving their device.

Some known disinfection systems are integrated into a charging rack sothat devices can be disinfected and charged simultaneously. This canmake disinfection more difficult and less reliable. For example, it canbe challenging to completely disinfect a device due to the physicallayout of the charging rack. A disinfection charging rack has additionalsupporting structure to support the charging functionality that canincrease the amount of hidden bacterial or shield surfaces from beingdisinfected. These systems are not designed for ease of interaction andor intelligent automated interaction. One especially problematicdisinfection issue relates to the charging connection point, which canbe a source of increased bacterial and pathogen growth. Whether thecharging rack utilizes a cord or another type of physical chargingconnection, manually manipulating the device and the physical chargingconnection at the beginning and end of a charging session can result inan increased bioburden, with unwanted opportunity for crosscontamination and its associated costs. In addition, chargingdisinfection racks typically involve more repeated and frequentinteraction. This increased activity presents the additional challengeof having to reach the full surface area of the devices to providesatisfactory disinfection, while maintaining safety for use in a humanfilled environment.

As more is learned about the impact of UV energy to devices, moreproblems and shortcomings of conventional UV disinfection systems becomeevident. The previous directive of UV disinfection systems that “more isbetter” when it comes to UV energy has negative ramifications thatrelate to the destruction or deterioration of materials that were notintended for intense UV exposure. Other issues with known UVdisinfection systems include a lack of automation and poor userinterface. Known UV systems often require excessive manual interventionby the user and often obscure the process in a way that the user doesnot understand the charging and disinfection status of the devicethroughout the process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some aspects of the present invention relate to improvements associatedwith reducing the spread of infections with a UV transmissive case. Aportable electrical device can be installed in a UV transmissive casethat provides a UV transmissive layer that enables the transmission ofUV energy in a path about the portable electrical device. Athree-dimensional UV energy path enables quick and reliable disinfectionof externally exposed surfaces of the portable electrical device andcase. The UV transmissive case may include a UV reflective substrate toassist with directing UV energy back toward the UV transmission path.Some embodiments of the UV transmissive case may be self-disinfecting,having a UV disinfection control system and UV source integrated withinthe UV transmissive case.

Other aspects of the present invention relate to improvements associatedwith reducing the spread of infections with UV disinfection chargingsystems. UV disinfection chargers can provide both charging power to aportable electrical device as well as UV energy for disinfecting aportable electronic device. Disinfection of the portable electricaldevice can be provided while simultaneously protecting the user from UVenergy. The system can be automated or semi-automated to provide afaster and more controlled disinfection and charging solution for bettercustomer satisfaction. That is, processes related to charging,disinfection, and safety can be automated or semi-automated. A userinterface can provide information relating to charring status anddisinfection status. Some embodiments of the disinfection charger mayinclude UV transmissive support surfaces that direct UV energy along aUV energy path such that the portable electrical device can bedisinfected in a uniform and consistent manner.

The various embodiments of UV transmissive cases and UV disinfectionchargers can provide or direct UV energy directed toward harder to reachareas of portable electronic devices, which helps to ensure completedisinfection. That is, some embodiments of the present invention relateto UV transmissive materials and usage, which can address a number ofproblems related to effective disinfection. Integrating these materialsinto cases and support surfaces can enable treatment of previously blindsurfaces (i.e., a surface or portion of a surface unreachable orunreliably reachable by UV energy) and enable a three-dimensionaldisinfection solution. For example, some areas of a portable electricaldevice and some areas of a device case may have areas that are difficultto disinfect, such as the charging port, areas blocked by structure, orareas positioned more distant from the UV source.

Charging Devices

The need to charge mobile devices is a daily requirement. Devices can becharged through an electrical connection or wireless charging. Mobiledevices can be charged using a variety of connected solutions from USBto micro USB, USBC, lightning connectors, electrical contacts, or otherelectrical connections. Devices can be put in environments that arechallenging for disinfection because several people throughout the dayuse the mobile devices.

Indication and Monitoring Feedback

Devices are sometimes charged in charging stations that hold banks ofdevices. When these banks of devices are charging and new devices arebeing added and charged devices are being removed, it is valuable to beable to see what is charged and what is disinfected and ready to beused. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a user interfacethat includes charge status and disinfection status indicators, forexample using red and green LEDs, that make it easy and efficient todistinguish when a device is charged and disinfected at a glance.

Stopping Disinfection within Human Proximity

Some past disinfection systems use a box with a lid and when the door isopened the disinfection stops. Some embodiments of the present inventionprovide improved sensing and interlocks. For example, some embodimentsinclude a sensor system that can monitor one or more of capacitance,motion detection (for example passive infrared (“PIR”) or temperaturebased motion detection), or acceleration movement to shut off orreconfigure the disinfection process. Using low dose UV allows a safeuser interface with humans interacting with the charging surface orrack.

360 Degree 3D Protection

Some embodiments include a UV translucent or transmissive material thatprovide a protective case surrounding the mobile device. The case formsa UV transfer media and allows disinfection about the mobile device, forexample about the entire generally cuboid shape of a mobile device.Areas that are blinded to the UV like the bottom of the mobile devicecan now be disinfected providing 360 degree or three-dimensional (“3D”)protection. For mobile devices without cases, UV disinfection chargerscan utilize UV transmissive or UV translucent materials on the base withUV treating the bottom of the products. By providing low dose UVprojection through a transmissive material, either UV supportingstructure or a UV transmissive case, mobile devices can be effectively,efficiently, and safely disinfected.

Control and Interface

Some of the UV disinfection charging system embodiments can detect humanactivity and use it to control the system. Some embodiments can detect ahuman even while running near the system. The system can detect humanactivity using a sensor system, for example including one or moremotion, acceleration, capacitance touch, or power sensors to shut off orreconfigure a UV source when a user is present.

The system can track when a device is charging, charging anddisinfection time, charge cycles of disinfection and charge status. Themobile device can assist with tracking this information, for example bycommunicating through an application programming interface (“API”) inthe mobile device. The mobile device API can track the charge andreports it back to the charger as it relates to the device. The API maybe written for the USB connection or via BTLE and can be paired to thecharger.

Materials Selection

Plastic injected PFA can be utilized to provide a UV transmissivesurface. The plastic injected PFA works with UV-C transmission. Inaddition, TEFLON can also provide a UV transmissive surface. Thethickness of the material is one factor in determining the transmissivecapability. The inner surface can be textured to allow scatteredreflection. The inner surfaces may also be coated with a reflector toprotect the device from UV exposure and also provide a good dispersionand reflection of the UV light. Some embodiments utilize a combinationof a textured surface with a reflector coating.

Inside-Out, Outside Projection and Inside Out to Transmitter Substrateand Outside to Transmitter Substrate

Multiple embodiments of a UV disinfection system can be provided withvarious configurations of the UV source according to the presentinvention. Some of the embodiments include:

-   -   A UV source lighting from above that is directed to the device;    -   A UV source from below the device transmitting UV through a        transmissive material;    -   A UV source above and below where the UV source on the        supporting material transmits UV through the transmissive        supporting material allowing the bottom to be disinfected        properly;    -   A UV source above where the UV source disinfects the mobile        device by first radiating on the device and secondarily        transmitting UV through supporting material transmits UV through        the transmissive supporting material allowing the bottom or side        to be disinfected properly—dependent on mounting; and    -   A UV source disinfecting a case around the mobile device wherein        the case distributes the UV to areas around the mobile device        for proper disinfection.

Self-Disinfecting Protective Case

Some embodiments of the UV transmissive case can be configured asself-disinfecting by including a disinfecting source and disinfectioncontrol system within. It may use the mobile device power or use its ownbattery. The case may include wireless charging to allow aconnecter-less design preventing additional bacteria or pathogen hidingplaces. The system may use equipment and information from the mobiledevice such as its accelerometer, battery charge levels, capacitancetouch sensor, or it may duplicate these systems within the case for usewith the disinfecting system, if desired.

Device Protection

In the past device disinfection cabinets dose the device with UV and UVcan break down materials. Some embodiments of the UV transmissive devicecase according to the present invention include an internal reflector toprotect the device while allowing external disinfection.

Motion Interlock

An infrared sensor, such as passive infrared (“PIR”) sensor, can be usedto detect motion. In addition, an accelerometer can be used to detectacceleration to know when a hand has reached in and when the devicemoves, is tapped or manipulated. These sensors can be combined with theUV disinfection control system to stop or change operation providing aninterlock.

Asset Tracking

An asset tracking component can be included in the UV transmissive case.The asset tracking component can be utilized to provide power andprotect the asset tag with the mobile device.

Protective Case and Transmissive Disinfection Media

Some embodiments provide a molded UV transmissive case and atransmissive film being combined to form a protective case and a screenfilm welded or terminated in a way that enables UV light piping into thescreen film. The film can be less than 0.5 mm and in some embodimentsless than 0.05 mm, which allows mobile device capacitive touch to workproperly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a UV transmissive case for a smartphone.

FIG. 1B illustrates a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of theUV transmissive case of FIG. 1A cut across section line A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of theUV transmissive case of FIG. 1A cut across section line A.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a UVtransmissive case for a smart phone.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a UV transmissive case for a tablet.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of one embodiment of aself-disinfecting UV transmissive case.

FIG. 4B illustrates a representative block diagram of circuitry of oneembodiment of a self-disinfecting UV transmissive case.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a flexible UV transmissive cover.

FIG. 6 illustrates a representative block diagram of a UV disinfectioncharger.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of a UV disinfection chargerwith a UV transmissive material supporting the back of the mobiledevice.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the UV disinfection charger of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the UV disinfection charger of FIG. 7and the wall mount power supply.

FIG. 10 illustrates a representative block diagram for a UV disinfectioncharging cabinet or rack.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a UVdisinfection charging cabinet with indicators and motion detection.

FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional view of the UV transmissive case of FIG.1A cut across section line A depicting the installation of a UV-Ctranslucent or transmissive film.

FIG. 13 illustrates a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of theUV transmissive case of FIG. 4A cut across section line B.

FIG. 14 illustrates a partial sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of the UV transmissive case of FIG. 4A cut across sectionline B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

A. UV Transmission Case

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate multiple embodiments of UV disinfection cases foruse with various mobile devices. Each case is configured to assist inthe disinfection of a mobile device installed within by facilitatingreliable transmission of UV energy from a UV source to the variousexternal surfaces of the mobile device and case assembly.

Each case has a UV transmissive layer or over-layer and an exposedexterior surface that forms a touchable surface of the case. In someembodiments, the exposed exterior surface of the case is the UVtransmissive layer. The UV transmissive layer may have a UV transmissionpercentage of at least 65 percent. Many embodiments utilize UV-C, whichtypically includes light in the wavelength range of 100 nm to 290 nm.The UV light sources that work in conjunction with various embodimentsin accordance with the present invention may be configured to produce UVlight at a wavelength of about 254 nm. In one embodiment, the presentinvention utilizes a UV-C transmissive material having a transmissionpercentage of at least 60 percent at 254 nm. In another embodiment, theUV transmissive material of the present invention has a transmissionpercentage of at least 65 percent at 254 nm. In yet another embodiment,the UV transmissive material has a transmission percentage of at least70 percent or at least about 72 percent. UV fused silica, fused quartzand PFA provide adequate UV-C transmission at 254 nm. Many typicalmaterials, such as Acrylite material, do not pass sufficient UV-C to besuitable for typical applications. The UV transmissive layer may bemanufactured from fluoropolymer or perfluoroalkoxy. Each case mayinclude a UV reflective substrate layer. In particular, a case wheninstalled on the mobile device provides a UV transmission system thatdirects UV light throughout the case to reliably disinfect the exposedsurfaces of the mobile device and case assembly. A UV light source maybe positioned internally within the case or in a separate, external, UVdisinfection system. The UV light source can be positioned adjacent tothe UV transmissive over-layer so that UV light is transmitted into andtravels along the UV transmissive over-layer progressively exiting overthe exterior surface to treat the exterior surface. The reflective layerresists penetration of the UV light into the substrate which not onlyprotects the substrate, and therefore the mobile device being carried bythe case, from UV degradation, but also reflects that UV light back intothe UV transmissive over-layer where it can contribute to UV treatmentof the exterior surface. That is, the UV transmissive over-layerfacilitates transmission of the UV light along the over-layer with UVlight exiting through the exterior surface. The UV transmissiveover-layer may be configured to provide generally uniform escape of UVlight and therefore provide generally uniform treatment of the exteriorsurface. For example, the thickness of the over-layer may diminish awayfrom the UV light source and/or the over-layer may be textured toprovide controlled escape of UV light.

For embodiments that include a reflective layer, it may be athermoplastic substrate disposed below the outer layer with reflectiveparticles as a reflector material. In one embodiment, the presentinvention may include thermoplastics with enhanced reflectivity to UV-Clight. Flow cells that contain e-PTFE (expanded PolyTetraFluor Ethylen)provide 95 percent reflectance or more of the UV-C light—making systemsconstructed of these materials highly transmissive.

The composition and configuration of the thermoplastic composition andthe UV reflective material can be selected to provide a composition withdesired levels of UV reflectivity, and transmissivity for a desiredapplication. The composition of the thermoplastic composition may alsobe selected to be cost-effective, resistant to degradation upon exposureto UV radiation for at least a desired period of time. Utilizing PFA ande-PTFE is a great example of a reflector and UV-C transmissive material.Further details and examples of UV reflective material appropriate foruse in the present invention are described in U.S. provisional patentapplication 62/650,340, entitled Disinfection Behavior Tracking andRanking, filed on Mar. 30, 2018 to Bauman, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

A device may include a fluoropolymer, such as perfluoroalkoxy (“PFA”),over layer as a light-pipe to transmit UV-C 254 nm light over thattouchable surface. A DuPont Teflon can be used but some good resultshave been with Daikin NEOFLON PFA AP201SH, a copolymer oftetrafluoroethylene and perfluoroalkylvinylether. It is aperfluoropolymer consisting of only carbon atoms and fluorine atomswithout any hydrogen atom.

The case can be in the form of a variety of different constructions.Several different embodiments of a UV transmissive case for a smartphone are shown in FIGS. 1-2 . FIG. 3 shows a UV transmissive case for atablet.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a UV transmissive case of one embodiment isdepicted. The case includes three snap together elements: front and rearenclosures 102, 104, and a screen film 106. In alternative embodiments,the front and rear enclosures may be provided as a unitary constructionallowing for friction fit of the mobile device. Or, as anotheralternative, the enclosures may be fastened together other than bysnap-fit, for example, through the use of mechanical fasteners. In thedepicted embodiment, these three elements surround the device forprotection and enable UV disinfection distribution throughout thethree-dimensional surface.

The case 100 depicted in FIG. 1A includes a disinfection translucentplastic housing 102, 104 with a screen cover 106 in the form of a UVtransmissive film. The disinfection translucent plastic housing 102, 104includes a UV reflective substrate layer and a UV transmissiveover-layer, as described above.

The UV reflective substrate layer can be configured as some or all ofthe device-facing surfaces of the case. That is, the device-facingsurfaces of the case 100 may be textured and coated with a UV reflectivematerial such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”), titanium dioxide(“TiO2”), or aluminum. The UV reflective material may have UV reflectiveproperties and/or UV absorbent properties. The surface can beaccomplished by plating a substrate with the UV reflective materials,electrical coating, painting a substrate with the UV reflectivematerial, or otherwise applied to a substrate. The various surfacetreatments can be applied to all sides of the substrate or to just oneside of the substrate.

The arrangement of the housings 102, 104 and screen cover 106 canperhaps be best understood with respect to the sectional viewillustrated in FIG. 1B. The sectional view illustrates how the housings102, 104, once snap fit or otherwise assembled provide an enclosure witha UV transmissive layer 122, a UV reflective substrate 120, and anoptional finished layer 124 forming the majority of the external surfaceof the case. In the current embodiment, the mobile device 101 isfriction-fit against the inner-housing. Specifically, the mobile device101 is friction fit against the UV reflective substrate 120. The screenfilm 106 snaps into place over the touch screen of the front of themobile device 101. UV light or energy that makes contact with the UVtransmissive layer 122 is guided by the layer 122 along thethree-dimensional space around the device. Because the screen cover 106is itself UV transmissive and the UV transmissive layer 122 are arrangedin optical connection, UV energy traveling through the transmissivelayer is urged to travel along the screen film 106 and disinfect thatsurface. FIG. 1C shows an alternative embodiment in which once thehousings 102, 104 are snapped together the finish layer 124 does notwrap around the back of the mobile device. Instead, only the UVtransmissive layer 122 and UV reflective layer 120 wrap around the sidesand back of the device. The finish layer 124 is provided only along theperipheral edge of the mobile device. In this configuration, the finishlayer 124 may be a non-UV transmissive surface because when the deviceis placed on a UV charging rack or on a UV disinfection charger the UVenergy will not need to penetrate the finished coating 124 to reach theUV-transmissive layer 120 and be transmitted along the UV energy pathwrapping 360 degrees around the device providing three-dimensionaldisinfection.

Referring back to FIG. 1A, the housings 102, 104 generally surround themobile device 101 with the main exception of the screen area, which iscovered by the screen cover 106. The housing also includes additionalapertures and buttons to facilitate various features of the mobiledevice, such as a volume control housing feature 110, a power controlhousing feature 112, speaker housing feature 114, a camera housingfeature 116, and a power connection housing feature 118. The UVtransmissive layer 122 surrounds these features and directs UV energytoward them such that these features receive a satisfactory dose of UVenergy and are thereby disinfected.

The thickness of the UV transmissive film 106 can vary depending on theapplication. In the current embodiment, the thickness is less than 0.5mm to enable the capacitive touch features of the mobile device screenwhile piping UV light to the mobile device screen. In alternativeembodiments, the thickness can be 0.05 mm or less and still enable thecapacitive touch features of the mobile device screen while piping UVlight to the mobile device screen. The screen film 106 can be opticallyand mechanically or otherwise physically joined to the case housing 102,104 or to the mobile device 101. Specifically, the screen film 106 canbe attached to the housing along its periphery near the front housingwith polished surfaces to allow UV to freely enter the edge of the film,perhaps as best shown in the FIG. 12 sectional view. The UV transmissivefilm 106 can be joined to the front enclosure and/or the mobile device101 itself through a variety of well-known techniques. For example, asdepicted in FIG. 12 , the UV transmissive film 106 may be plastic weldedto a portion 180 of the interior surface of front housing 104. Byjoining the screen film 106 to the case in this way, opticalcommunication between the UV transmissive screen film 106 and the UVtransmissive case can be enabled. The front enclosure can have thescreen film 106 pre-welded such that when the front enclosure and backenclosure are fitted around the mobile device, the screen film 106 isadjacent the touch screen of the mobile device 101. Alternatively, thescreen film 106 can be provided as a separate component to be mounted bythe user to the mobile device 101 or case 100 through a variety of dryor wet mount techniques. For example, in one alternative embodiment, thefilm can be provided on a substrate with one side having an adhesive foradhering directly to mobile device 101 or portion 180 of case 100.

FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a UV transmissive case. Theexploded view of FIG. 2 illustrates a rear portion of the disinfectiontranslucent plastic case 202, a front portion of the disinfectionplastic case 204, the disinfection translucent film 206, and a mobiledevice 201 capable of installation in the case. The front portion 204 ofthe case and the rear portion 202 snap fit together to enclose themobile device 201. The disinfection translucent film snap fits along theedge of the opening in the front portion 204 of the case. As assembled,the components provide a disinfection translucent plastic case 200.

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of a UV transmissive case. The case issimilar to the cases depicted in FIGS. 1-2 , but is specificallyconstructed for a tablet device. The disinfection translucent plasticcase 300 includes a rear housing portion 302 and a front housing portion304 along with a disinfection translucent film (not shown), which coversthe touch screen (not shown) of the tablet 301. The rear housing portion302 and front housing portion 304 cooperate to encase the tablet with aUV transmissive surface that guides UV light throughout the UVtransmissive housing and also directs UV light toward the disinfectiontranslucent film. Alternative embodiments for essentially any mobiledevice can be constructed such that the device is encased with a housinghaving a UV reflective substrate layer and a UV transmissive over-layerthat facilitates the transmission of UV light to disinfect the deviceand the case.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a flexible UV transmissive case fordisinfection. The arrangement of UV transmissive and UV reflectivesubstances is similar to that of the UV transmissive cases discussedabove. However, the materials upon which these substances are appliedare a flexible material that is manually pliable such that the bag canfit a multitude of different size and shaped devices. For example, thebag can be made of polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) or another flexibleplastic material. The amount of flexibility of the bag can be adjustedvia the addition of plasticisers, which is a substance added to asynthetic resin to produce or promote plasticity and flexibility and toreduce brittleness. The UV transmissive and UV reflective material canbe plated, coated, painted, or otherwise applied to the flexiblematerial.

The flexible UV transmissive case is configured as a bag that includesUV transmissive material. The bag includes an opening for inserting aportable electrical device and may include a closure, such as azip-lock, snaps, or a drawstring. For example, a slider can travel alonga chain to zip the enclosure open and shut. The closure can create aseal or merely close the bag sufficiently such that the device does noteasily fall out of the bag. In use, the portable device is slid into thebag and the bag is closed. When placed near a UV source, because the bagincludes UV transmissive material, as the UV energy engages the bag, thewalls of the flexible bag act as a light piping surface that dispersethe UV energy throughout the walls of the bag, disinfecting the variousnooks and crannies formed as the flexible bag sits near the UV source.The UV transmissive walls of the bag, when combined with the UVreflective substrate disposed beneath the UV transmissive layer, createsa UV energy transmission path in three-dimensions around the portabledevice that disinfects the entire surface of the bag. This lower cost UVtransmissive enclosure can be used with almost any portable device. Itallows rapid adaptation and use with a multitude of devices and to beformed and manufactured easily, adapting this to scanners, radios,phones and other devices quickly.

A UV transmissive case may incorporate UV disinfection circuitry therebyproviding a self-disinfecting UV transmissive case. The UV disinfectioncircuitry can allow the case to self-disinfect the portable electricaldevice installed in the case. The UV disinfection circuitry can bespecifically disposed and configured to provide UV energy along a UVtransmission path about the portable electrical device. For example,FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate one embodiment of a self-disinfecting UVtransmissive case 400 including a UV disinfection circuitry 402 and UVsource(s) 404.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate an exemplary control system for aself-disinfecting UV transmissive case 400 for a mobile device. Thedepicted embodiment includes the features of the UV transmissive casedescribed above and in addition includes components for carrying outdisinfection using one or more disinfection sources 404 installed in oron the case. The self-disinfecting UV transmissive case may also includevarious components for tracking the status and progress of thedisinfection process. Alternative embodiments may include some or all ofthe depicted components depending on the desired functionality.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a representative block diagram illustrating oneembodiment of the circuitry for a stand-alone or self-disinfecting UVdisinfecting case is illustrated. The case can be powered by the batteryof the mobile device 401 via connector 424, an auxiliary battery 406disposed within the case, or from an external wired power supply 408 viaelectrical connectors 425, 426 or wireless power supply (not shown) viacoil 420. The case may be configured not to utilize device power. Thecase can include a controller 410 with various functionality such aspower management, disinfection control, charge control for wired orwireless charging 411, and an application programming interface. Thecase can include asset tracking circuitry, such as an RFID coil 412 andassociated RFID circuitry 414. The case can also include anaccelerometer 416 and/or other motion sensor 422, and user interface418. One or more wireless power coils 420 can be located within the caseand can be completely intrinsic and water tight for cleaning.

The self-disinfecting UV transmissive case may include a pocket for thevarious components, including the electronics, battery, UV source(s),and wireless power circuitry. Referring to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment,the majority of the components 402 can be disposed near the power input,while the disinfecting sources 404 are disposed along the edge of thecase positioned to transmit directed UV energy along the UV transmissivelayer of the case 401, which will disperse along the UV energy pathprovided by the UV transmissive material located in the front and rearenclosures 450, 452 and the UV transmissive film 456. The arrangement ofthe device 401, transmissive housing 450, 452, disinfecting sources 404,UV reflective coating 480, and UV transmissive film 456 are illustratedin the section view of FIG. 13 cut along sectional line of FIG. 4A. Asdepicted, the UV sources are disposed within the case between the UVtransmissive layer of the housings and the UV reflective coating 480disposed on the interior surface of the housing 450, 452. As UV lightemits from the UV sources, it is transmitted along the UV transmissivematerial of housings 450, 452 while the interior reflective coating 480directs UV light back into the UV transmissive housing 450, 452. The UVlight is also transmitted across the thin UV transmissive film 456disinfecting that surface.

FIG. 14 provides an exemplary depiction of the travel of light within aUV transmissive material. In the current embodiment, the depiction isshown within the context of a UV transmissive case, but it should beunderstood that the same principles apply to the UV supporting structuredescribed in connecting with the UV disinfection charger embodiments.Referring to FIG. 14 , the UV source 404 can emit light in anomni-directional or directed fashion. In the depicted embodiment, aconcave UV reflector 490 is positioned between the device 401 and the UVsource. The reflector 490 reflects UV light away from the device andtoward the edge of the case where it contributes to disinfecting theexterior surface 492 of the case. As depicted, some of the UV lightrefracts and travels along the UV transmissive case material, includingalong the UV transmissive film 456. In this way, the UV light travels360 degrees around the device and surrounds all three-dimensions of thesurface of the device. The depicted embodiment includes two additionaloptional features. First, the sides and bottoms of the interior surfaceof the UV transmissive layer are textured 494 for UV light dispersion.The texture pattern can be essentially any pattern that provides thedesired UV light dispersal. Second, a UV reflective coating or layer 496may be provided adjacent the textured pattern for reflecting the UVlight back toward the exterior surface 492 of the case.

Optically, the use of texture can provide better piping and performanceby creating multiple light paths. The substrate may include a structuralthickness for strength and reduced thickness to provide better UVtransfer with less loss. Thickness is directly proportional to UV-Closses with materials with lower transmissivity. Providing scratches, agradient of prism-like surfaces or a simple texture, the system canextract light from the material. Without this modification of thematerial, light will have a tendency to exit in the directed pattern. Anexample of this is, when projected through a material, the texturingdiffuses the light. To illustrate, when edge light is projected into apiece of quartz, there is great edge to edge transmission but littlesurface emission. If the quartz is textured or there is a reflector withUV reflectivity, good transmission is achieved. In some applications,the substrate may include textures for indirect source pick up andpolished surface for direct source areas. Texturing and polishing asubstrate using a flaming process may provide enhanced performance.

The system is designed to enable wireless power or connected power basedon a user's request or desire. That is, the system can recognize whenpower is connected to connector 426 and use that power to operate thedisinfection system, pass-through power to the device 401, and/or chargethe auxiliary battery 406. The system also can include a deviceinterface including a universal serial bus (“USB”) port and/or BluetoothLow Energy (“BTLE”) capability to connect to a device applicationprogramming interface (“API”) for communications and monitoring ofpower, charging status, acceleration sensors and touch interface. Theseand other capabilities can be implemented as described in U.S.provisional patent application 62/650,340, entitled DisinfectionBehavior Tracking and Ranking, filed on Mar. 30, 2018 to Baarman, whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Through the use ofcommunication and external processing, the circuitry positioned in theself-disinfecting case may be reduced.

The case 400 may include a user interface 418 with one or moreindicators that can indicate disinfection status. For example, anindicator that flashes red when the device is dirty and disinfection isadvisable, blue while disinfection is in process, and green to indicatethe device is clear.

The disinfectant transmissive translucent case enables the case to beused to deliver this indication when and where needed. For example, thecontrol system can determine when the device stops moving and the useris not present using a combination of motion and presence detection.Then, when the device is set down the UV disinfection cycle starts andthe proper dose is delivered. The system monitors motion and can resetthe disinfection cycle if significant motion is detected sufficient forthe system to determine a user is present and start the process all overagain. In this way, the self-disinfecting transmissive case candisinfect after each use and prepare the device for the next useautomatically. By equipping this case with circuitry for reception ofwireless power a connector or adaptor enables an electrical connectionto the device power connector, which in turn allows for charging thedevice using wireless power supplied to the disinfecting case. Thisreduces areas that can hide bacteria and pathogens by limiting theamount of connectors and cords, which tend to represent areas ofincreased bioburden.

B. UV Disinfecting Chargers

Some embodiments are directed to a disinfecting charger with amonitoring and safety system that utilizes user detection and sensors todetect proximity and provides user feedback on safety, disinfection andcharge status. The charger may include a UV transmissive materialdesigned enable disinfection of hard to reach surfaces safely. Thisdisinfecting charger can include an automatic interlock to protect usersfrom UV exposure and can log the exposure limits vs. actual exposure.The system can be a cloud based system that enables a safer ecosystemand cross statistic sharing of safety parameters.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a first embodiment of a UV disinfection charger andFIGS. 10-11 illustrate a second embodiment of a UV disinfection charger.A UV disinfection charger of the present invention can be configured foruse with essentially any device or device case. That is, a UVdisinfection charger in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention can include a UV source for transmitting UV energy toward thedevice or device case in order to disinfect a portable electrical deviceand/or case for that device and in addition provide power to theportable electrical device, simultaneously or at different times. Forexample, some embodiments of UV disinfection chargers according to thepresent invention can work in conjunction with any of the UVtransmissive cases discussed above. Alternatively, some embodiments ofUV disinfection chargers can disinfect a device without a UVtransmissive case, or without a case at all.

FIG. 6 illustrates one embodiment of a representative block diagram forUV disinfection charger 600. The device 101 sits on a UV translucent ortransmissive surface 604 with optional UV sources underneath. One ormore charging coils 616 are provided for wireless charging. The systemcan detect when a device is placed on the surface using the wirelesscharging circuitry 614 and coil 616. The system uses multiple interlocksto detect movement, acceleration, and charging to disable or changeoperation of the UV disinfection system when the user is touching, ordetermined to be within proximity of the device. This triggers a timingloop that waits for a predetermined amount of time and then re-startsthe disinfecting cycle. If motion is detected the disinfection cycle isdelayed and an indicator is set to indicate that the device has not beendisinfected. The depicted charger also includes an overhead UV source606 to disinfect the top side of the device as shown in FIGS. 7-9 .

The depicted embodiment includes both a bottom UV source 602 disposedunder the charging surface and a top UV source 606 configured to shineUV light on the top of the portable electrical device being disinfected.The charging surface includes a UV transmissive support material 604 tosupport the device 601 being charged while disinfecting the bottom andsides from the bottom. The charger 600 can include protection interlocksthat detect physical motion and infrared movement, for example with oneor more motion sensors 610. These motion sensors 610 can be used tointerrupt the disinfecting sources when motion is detected and enablethe disinfection cycle to begin or start over when there is a lack ofmotion for a predetermined amount of time. The charger base 600 mayinclude a user interface that includes various indicators that representthe status of charging, the status of disinfection, the presence of auser, or a variety of other information. For example, a disinfectionstatus indicator can turn an indicator light red when disinfection isadvisable, blue while disinfection is in progress, and green whendisinfection is complete and the device is clean.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 includes wireless power circuitry inthe form of a wireless power transmitter circuit 614 and coil 616. Thedepicted embodiment also includes one or more USB and USBC ports 618 tocharge single or multiple devices using cords. In alternativeembodiments, the UV disinfection charger may accommodate only wiredcharging but not wireless charging, or vice versa.

The size of the charging surface can vary depending on the application.Perhaps best shown in FIGS. 7-9 , the UV transmissive support surface604 of the current embodiment is sized to hold a smart phone, but can beenlarged to 15″ by 15″ or larger, depending on the application. Forexample, a larger area may be desirable if the charger will holdmultiple devices, tablets, or radios. The dimensions of the chargingsurface can be sized to accommodate whatever size devices is appropriateand the charger can also provide multiple wireless chargers and USB/USBCtype connectors for versatility of use. The UV disinfection charger 600can be supplied power by a device power supply 620, such as a walladapter 620 connected to a main power line. Alternatively, the UVdisinfection charger 600 may be powered by a battery or other powersource.

The UV disinfection charger 600 can include a controller 622 that isprogrammed to provide various functionality such as power management,disinfection control, charge control for wired or wireless charging, andan application programming interface. The controller 622 can communicatewith the sensor system of the UV disinfection charger, which can includea variety of sensors, for example, motion sensor 610, user interface612, accelerometer 624, and other sensors depending on the application.Further, the controller 622 can operate the source driver(s) 627, whichdrive the UV disinfecting sources 604, 606.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate various views of the UV disinfection charger 600.FIG. 7 shows a perspective side view, FIG. 8 shows an overhead view, andFIG. 9 shows a view including the wall mount power supply 620. One UVsource is located under the UV transmissive supporting structure 604 andone UV source 606 is located in an angled portion of the housing 628oriented to shine UV light on the top of a mobile device set on the UVtransmissive supporting structure 604. The bottom UV source 606 ispositioned under the UV transmissive supporting structure 604 such thatit shines UV light on to the UV transmissive supporting structure 604which guides the UV light along a path about the mobile device such thatthe UV light penetrates through the UV supporting surface 604 reachingthe bottom of a mobile device set on the charging surface and alsoreaches the sides of the mobile device. Together, the two UV sources andUV transmissive supporting structure cooperate to provide UV energy tothe three-dimensional surface of a mobile device set on the UVtransmissive supporting structure 604 of the UV disinfection charger600.

FIGS. 10-11 show an alternative embodiment for a UV disinfecting chargerin accordance with the present invention. This embodiment provides acabinet configuration, in which multiple portable electrical devices canbe installed and simultaneously charged/disinfected.

FIG. 10 illustrates a representative block diagram of a control systemfor a cabinet or rack mounted charging and disinfection system 1000. Thesystem 1000 can provide the same user protection and low dosedisinfecting light source as discussed in connection with the UVdisinfection charger 600. The rack can include wireless power andseveral USB charging ports for multi-device charging and disinfection.The cabinet includes a user interface for efficiently and easilyinforming users about the disinfection and charging status of thedevices on the rack, and also includes a transmissive rack assembly,also referred to as a UV transmissive support structure 1020.

The control system 1000 operates similarly to the control system of UVdisinfection charger 600. The system 1000 includes one or moredisinfecting sources 1002 configured to shine UV light toward theportable electrical device(s) being disinfected. The cabinet 1000 mayinclude protection interlocks that detect physical motion and infraredmovement, for example with one or more motion sensors 1010. These motionsensors 1002 can be used to interrupt the disinfecting sources 1002 whenmotion is detected and enable the disinfection cycle to begin or startover when there is a lack of motion for a predetermined amount of time.The cabinet 1000 may include a user interface 1012 that includes variousindicators that represent the status of charging, the status ofdisinfection, the presence of a user, or a variety of other information.For example, a disinfection/charging status indicator for each portableelectrical device slot can turn an indicator light red when charging ordisinfection is advisable, blue while disinfection or charging is inprogress, and green when disinfection and charging are complete.Separate indicators for charging and disinfection may also be provided.For example, a charge status indicator can indicate red for no devicepresent, yellow for partially charged, and green for fully charged. Forthe disinfection status indicator an indicator can emit red light whendisinfection is advisable or no device is present, blue whiledisinfection is in progress, and green when disinfection is complete. Inthis way, the status indicators can allow a user to easily select adevice from the cabinet based on disinfection safety and charge status.

The UV disinfection charger 1000 can include a controller 1030 that isprogrammed to provide various functionality such as power management,disinfection control, charge control for wired or wireless charging, andan application programming interface. The controller 1030 may include anintegrated accelerometer or connection to an accelerometer or othersensors that make up part of a sensor system, which can be used toprovide various inputs to the control system. The controller 1030 cancommunicate with the sensor system of the UV disinfection charger, whichcan include any integrated sensors, as well as any external sensors suchas motion sensor 1010, user interface 1012, and other sensors. Further,the controller 1030 can operate the source driver(s) 1032, which drivethe one or more UV disinfecting sources 1002. The UV disinfectioncharger 1030 can be supplied power by a device power supply 1034, suchas a wall adapter 1034 connected to a main power line. Alternatively,the UV disinfection charger 1034 may be powered by a battery or otherpower source. The controller 1030 may be capable of transmittingwireless power through one or more transmitter coils 1016. The cabinetmay also include one or more charging ports 1018 to charge single ormultiple devices using cords. In alternative embodiments, the UVdisinfection charger may accommodate only wired charging but notwireless charging, or vice versa.

The UV disinfection charger 1000 of the current embodiment is configuredfor use with either devices installed in UV transmissive cases, a UVtransmissive rack or device holder 1022, or a combination of both. ThisUV transmissive material assists in ensuring that disinfection iscompete and that UV energy reaches the three-dimensional spacesurrounding the external surface of each portable electrical device aswell as any cabinet surface that is susceptible to human touch duringnormal operation. Various embodiments of UV transmissive cases arediscussed above at length and therefore will not be discussed in detailhere. Suffice it to say, many of the same principles discussed inconnection with the UV transmissive case apply to the UV transmissivesupport structure 2020 that holds portable electrical devices. Theexemplary plan diagram of holder 1020 depicted in FIG. 10 shows anexample of how a UV transmissive surface that acts as a light pipeenables UV light to reach the three-dimensional area surrounding theportable electrical device held in a slot 1022 of the holder 1020.

The UV transmissive support structure 1020 is lined with a UVtransmissive or over-layer 1060 that forms an exposed exteriordevice-facing three-dimensional surface. The UV transmissive layer 1060may be textured or include a finishing layer that does not impede the UVenergy transmission. The holder may include a UV reflective substratelayer 1062. The holder provides a UV transmission system that directs UVlight throughout the holder to reliably disinfect the exposed surfacesof the mobile device in each slot 1022. A UV light source may bepositioned internally within the cabinet and oriented such that the UVlight shines advantageously toward the UV transmissive material deviceholder in such a way that the UV light transmits through the holder tothe device-facing surfaces of each slot. If a reflective layer isprovided, it resists penetration of the UV light into the substrate andreflects that UV light back into the UV transmissive over-layer where itcan contribute to UV treatment of the portable electrical devices ineach slot 1022. The UV transmissive over-layer may be configured toprovide generally uniform escape of UV light and therefore providegenerally uniform treatment of the surfaces provided for each slot. Forexample, the thickness of the over-layer may diminish away from the UVlight source and/or the over-layer may be textured to provide controlledescape of UV light.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of UV disinfection chargingcabinet 1000. The current embodiment of the cabinet provides an open UVdisinfection and charging station with devices 1001 stored in slots 1022in a rack configuration. The cabinet includes a user interface 1012 withcharge and disinfection indicators, a motion detector 1010 for detectingpresence of a human being in the immediate vicinity of the cabinet 1000.Devices 1001 can be slid into the slots 1022 adjacent to the UVtransmissive support structure 1020 and specifically the UV transmissivelayer 1060. Once inserted, the power connector of each device 1001 canbe connected via cord to a USB port 1018 as depicted in FIG. 11 .Alternatively, the cabinet may include wireless power circuitry forinductively coupling power from one or more transmit coils 1016 to oneor more inductive coils in the device 1001 or accompanying case.

Although the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 6-11 refer to UVdisinfection chargers that have the capability to charge the devicesbeing disinfected, some alternative embodiments may not provide chargingcapability and instead a UV disinfection rack may be provided inaccordance with the present invention that includes a UV transmissivesupport surface for directing UV energy along a UV transmission path todisinfect the device, case, and/or surfaces within the rack, without thecapability to provide power to the device.

Operation of the controller, charging circuitry, and UV disinfectioncircuitry in the UV disinfection charger can be implemented in a varietyof ways. The charge controller can implement a variety of known methodsfor regulating electric current from a battery or electric current fromthe power supply 1034. The charge controller 1030 can be programmed toprevent overcharging and protect against overvoltage. The chargecontroller can also be programmed to supply power according to a varietyof different protocols and according to a variety of differentparameters. For example, the charge controller 1030 can efficiently andintelligently divide power supply among the source driver 1032, anddevice 2001 through the power connector 1018. The controllers 410, 622,1030 can also act as a UV disinfection control system that energizes aUV-C power source that enables UV-C intensity control and contact timecontrol. The UV-C source may be essentially any UV-C source capable ofgenerating UV-C light at the desired intensities. For example, the UV-Csource may be a cold cathode lamp, a low pressure mercury lamp or UV-Clight emitting diodes. The control system of each of the embodiments canbe coupled to a sensor system that provides the system with varioussensor inputs, such as passive infrared (“PIR”) sensors, motion sensors,capacitive touch sensors, accelerometer and temperature sensors, and mayprovide an interface for an RFID reader. The data collected by thesesensors may assist in controlling operation of the system and incollecting data that may be relevant to tracking disinfection activity.The motion and presence detection can trigger UV source activation, tointerrupt disinfection cycles and to provide valuable data in makingdynamic adjustments to the UV parameters, such as cycle time and sourceintensity. Although the PIR solution for heat and motion may be populartoday, capacitive touch sensing is another solution. The controllers410, 622, 1030 of the described embodiments can also monitor the currentand voltage within preset ranges for proper operation and lampdiagnostics. Sources can be open, shorted, impedance can change causingdifferent operating voltages that the controller can identify and sendrespond to. The UV-C power source can also monitor the current andvoltage to the UV source and feed that information back to thecontroller. The controller 36 may also include volatile and and/ornon-volatile storage memory. For example, the controller may includeflash memory. The operation of the controller and related UVdisinfection circuitry can be implemented or adapted partially or infull as described in U.S. provisional patent application 62/650,340,entitled Disinfection Behavior Tracking and Ranking, filed on Mar. 30,2018 to Baarman, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

The application programming interface of any of the controllers in thedescribed or other embodiments can track charging cycles for eachdevice, number of cleaning cycles, and usage including typical usetimes. This data can be stored locally or remotely on a server, forexample on the Internet. The data can be used to track the disinfectionprocess and functionality for maintenance and ongoing working status.

The UV disinfection charger can utilize a sensor system in order todetect presence of human activity and automatically interrupt UV sourceactivation. Further, by providing an open interface along with an easilyunderstood indicator system, devices can be retrieved and replacedefficiently and easily. Conventional UV disinfection systems oftenrequire devices to be locked in a cabinet so that users are not exposedto the higher dosing of UV energy that is utilized to ensure devices arefully disinfected. However, these conventional systems have a hiddencost because users may refrain or be deterred from using the cabinetbecause of the perceived or actual time associated with turning off anyongoing disinfection process, unlocking the cabinet door, opening thecabinet door, inserting/retrieving the device, closing the cabinet door,locking the cabinet door, and restarting the disinfection.

The UV disinfection charger depicted in FIG. 11 addresses this issue byproviding an open architecture that allows a device to be grabbedwithout having to unlock or open a door. In addition, sensors andcontrol interlocks can detect human activity and automatically changeoperation of the system. For example, a motion detection system, such asa passive infrared sensor, can reliably identify whether there is humanactivity in the vicinity of the rack and can automatically changeoperation of the system to ensure any ongoing disinfection is notharmful to the user. For example, the system can automatically turn offthe UV sources when human presence is detected. Or, alternatively, thesystem can change operation of the UV source intensity. In addition, thedepicted UV disinfecting charger 1000 utilizes low dose UV-C source,which is safer for users' eyes and contact. Further, the UV-C sourceutilizes a lower minimal dose rate, which is compensated with extendedcycle times to provide that same effect as overdosing but with betterresults in surface breakdown. Providing the lower doses does not breakdown the plastics in the same way that higher dosages do. Further, theprovided user interface 1012 allows a user to identify at a glance if adevice is charged and disinfected, which reduces the amount of timespent in the vicinity of the charging rack. The UV transmissive supportstructure and/or UV transmissive cases used in conjunction with the UVdisinfecting charging rack also assist in ensuring that in embodimentswhere the UV source is allowed to operate at some capacity with a userpresent, that the UV light is directed toward the device. In addition,in embodiments where wireless power charging is provided, the user doesnot spend time connecting/disconnecting cords with the UV disinfectingcharging rack and therefore the time spent with human presence at therack is reduced, which ultimately increases charging and disinfectionrates. Additionally, these cordless solutions for UV transmissive casesand mobile devices allow elimination of areas for bacterial andpathogens to grow.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are usedto assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of theembodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional termsshould not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specificorientation(s).

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention.Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from thespirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles ofpatent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure ispresented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as anexhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limitthe scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated ordescribed in connection with these embodiments. For example, and withoutlimitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may bereplaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similarfunctionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes,for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those thatmight be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternativeelements that may be developed in the future, such as those that oneskilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative.Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features thatare described in concert and that might cooperatively provide acollection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to onlythose embodiments that include all of these features or that provide allof the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly setforth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in thesingular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” isnot to be construed as limiting the element to the singular.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A method for controllingoperation of a UV disinfection system of a UV disinfection charger for aportable electrical device, the method comprising: receiving a portableelectrical device on a support surface of the UV disinfection charger;validating placement of a portable electrical device with chargingcircuitry of the UV disinfection charger; detecting human proximity witha proximity sensor; triggering a timing loop in response to placement ofthe portable electrical device being validated by the charging circuitryof the UV disinfection charger, wherein the timing loop includes waitinga predetermined amount of time and then initiating a disinfection UVcycle in response to detecting a lack of human proximity with theproximity sensor.
 2. The method of claim 1 including disabling the UVdisinfection system based on charging status of the portable electricaldevice.
 3. The method of claim 1 including interrupting, with a chargingcircuitry, the UV disinfection system based on charging circuitrypresence detection.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the proximitysensor is a capacitive touch sensor.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinthe proximity sensor is a passive infrared sensor.
 6. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the proximity sensor is an accelerometer.
 7. The methodof claim 1 including delaying the disinfection UV cycle in response todetecting motion.
 8. The method of claim 1 including simultaneouslycharging and disinfecting the portable electrical device.
 9. The methodof claim 1 including simultaneously, with a single controller, providingpower management, disinfection control, and charge control for wired orwireless charging.
 10. The method of claim 1 including tracking chargingand disinfection time.
 11. A UV disinfection charger for a portableelectrical device, the apparatus comprising: a support surface forreceiving a portable electrical device; wireless power circuitryincluding a wireless power coil disposed adjacent to the support surfaceconfigured to wirelessly transmit charging power to a portableelectrical device disposed on the support surface; a Universal SerialBus (USB) port and wired charging circuitry configured to transmit wiredcharging power to a portable electrical device connected by wire to theUSB port; UV disinfection circuitry including a UV source; a UVdisinfection charger controller configured to simultaneously control 1)charging via at least one of the wireless power circuitry and the USBport and wired charging circuitry; and 2) UV disinfection of a portableelectrical device via the UV disinfection circuitry, the UV disinfectioncharger controller configured to: validate placement of a portableelectrical device based on charging information; detect human proximitywith a proximity sensor; and trigger a timing loop in response toplacement of a portable electrical device being validated, wherein thetiming loop includes initiating charging of the validated portableelectrical device and waiting a predetermined amount of time and theninitiating a disinfection UV cycle for disinfecting the validatedportable electrical device in response to detecting a lack of humanproximity with the proximity sensor.
 12. The UV disinfection charger ofclaim 11 wherein the UV disinfection charger controller is configured todisable the UV disinfection circuitry based on charging information ofthe validated portable electrical device.
 13. The UV disinfectioncharger of claim 11 wherein the UV disinfection charger controller isconfigured to interrupt the UV disinfection system based on chargingcircuitry presence detection provided by at least one of the wirelesspower charging circuitry and the wired power charging circuitry.
 14. TheUV disinfection charger of claim 11 wherein the proximity sensor is acapacitive touch sensor.
 15. The UV disinfection charger of claim 11wherein the proximity sensor is a passive infrared sensor.
 16. The UVdisinfection charger of claim 11 wherein the proximity sensor is anaccelerometer.
 17. The UV disinfection charger of claim 11 wherein theUV disinfection charger controller is configured to delay thedisinfection UV cycle in response to the proximity sensor detectingmotion.
 18. The UV disinfection charger of claim 11 wherein the UVdisinfection charger controller is configured to provide powermanagement, disinfection control, and charge control for wired orwireless charging.
 19. The UV disinfection charger of claim 11 whereinthe UV disinfection charger controller is configured to track chargingand disinfection time.
 20. The UV disinfection charger of claim 11wherein the UV disinfection charger controller is configured to receiveportable electrical device communication through an applicationprogramming interface from the portable electrical device, wherein theportable electrical device information includes information regardingcharging.